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Heloise: Heloise gives instructions on finding correct bra size

DEAR LADIES: Are you wearing the right bra size? Do you know that a majority of women aren’t? Here are instructions to find your correct size:

■ For the band size, measure snugly around your rib cage, just under your bust. Take this number and add 5 — this is your band size. (If the number is odd, add 1 so you have an even number.)

■ For the cup size, while wearing the bra you wear the most, measure the fullest part of your bust. Take this measurement and compare it with the band-size measurement. If the number is 1 inch more than the band size, you are an “A” cup. If it is 2 inches more, you are a “B” cup, 3 inches is a “C” cup and so on.

The fit of a bra can vary greatly between manufacturers, so always remember to try on a new bra before you purchase it.

If you have gained or lost weight or had a baby, you probably are not wearing the right size. — Heloise

P.S.: You deserve at least one new good bra a year.

DEAR HELOISE: I love reading your hints in the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald. Here is my hint: We travel a lot for sporting events, and to try to save money, we often pack our own food. The best idea I found was to freeze a loaf of bread before you travel, and it will “travel” very nicely without getting smashed. Thanks for all the hints. — Ashley in Omaha, Neb.

DEAR READERS: Springtime may mean a trip to the beach or lake. What are some important items to pack when you head out? Take a variety of cups, utensils and bowls in lots of shapes and sizes to use when building a sandcastle.

Save up margarine tubs, potato-chip canisters and other small, lidded containers. These work well to hold shells.

A bag for minor emergencies is good, too. Meat tenderizer can help with a jellyfish or bee sting. Pack plenty of sunscreen, adhesive strips and first-aid cream as well, and lots of drinking water, too. — Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: I found an easy way to motivate my kids to do extra chores. I have a board with all the chores they are supposed to do, along with extra “bonus” chores they can earn money for. The kids get to pick which chores they want to do and, based on their selection, how much money they will earn. The chores are getting done, and the kids are learning about earning money. — Linda in Cincinnati

Teach the kids living skills when they are young, and they can use them the rest of their lives. — Heloise

DEAR READERS: Does owning a smartphone with an annoying ringtone wear on your ears? To quickly silence a ringing smartphone, try pressing any key on the side of the device. This won’t answer or decline the call; it simply shuts off the ringtone. — Heloise

HELOISE is a syndicated columnist with King Features Syndicate, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio 78279-5000, fax 210-HELOISE.